Rio Vista Elementary Hosts Engaging AVID Family STEM Night to Promote College and Career Readiness

On Thursday, March 26, Rio Vista Elementary School hosted an AVID Family STEM Night, drawing more than 200 students and family members for an evening of engaging, hands-on learning and community connection. Attendees enjoyed a pizza dinner and refreshments made possible through PTA support and fourth-grade fundraising efforts, which benefit upcoming events and field trips. Families also had the opportunity to enjoy treats from a local Italian ice vendor.

Students who pre-registered for the event received a variety of incentives, including a complimentary meal card, PBIS bonus points to redeem at school prize carts, and VIP FastPass wristbands granting expedited access to a student-favorite eSports station hosted by Valadez Middle School Academy. All participants were provided with an AVID STEM Passport, which guided them through each activity and highlighted potential college and career pathways within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The evening featured a variety of interactive STEM challenges, including tower building, boat engineering, and an airplane flight lab, encouraging students to apply critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. A key component of the event was the partnership with Valadez Middle School Academy, which brought 25 AVID Ambassador student volunteers to assist with facilitating activities and mentoring younger students. These ambassadors also showcased their AVID binders during the AVID Binder Walk, offering families a clear view of student organization and academic progression from kindergarten through eighth grade.

“AVID Avenue” provided additional opportunities for exploration, featuring games, giveaways, and resources from college and career pathway partners, including Hope International University, Santiago Canyon College, and Fullerton College. The event also included a brief AVID Spotlight presentation led by school and program leaders, reinforcing the importance of pursuing individual interests, passions, and talents as pathways to future success.

Overall, the event reflected Rio Vista Elementary School’s commitment to fostering college and career readiness while engaging families as active partners in student learning.